South Africa has recorded two mpox cases in the Free State, with both infections linked to the same source in Sasolburg as health officials trace close contacts to assess the risk of further transmission.

The development comes amid a wider increase in reported infections across the country, reports the Sedibeng Ster.

The National Department of Health confirmed on Sunday (October 18) that South Africa had recorded 26 laboratory-confirmed cases since the start of 2026, including two in the Free State and two in the Eastern Cape.

Free State Department of Health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi confirmed that the two Sasolburg cases were linked to the same source.

Mvambi said the risk to the general public remained low, with no evidence of widespread community transmission.

The provincial department is following up with a small number of close contacts, with assessments and testing under way.

The first patient was reported to be clinically stable, isolating at home and receiving appropriate medical care.

Mpox cases increase nationally

The latest cases follow a rise in infections reported earlier this year, particularly in the Western Cape. Of the 26 confirmed cases recorded nationally by October 18, 18 were in the Western Cape, three in Gauteng, two in the Eastern Cape, two in the Free State and one in KZN.

The department has urged people to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms, including a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes or fatigue.

In September, the department warned that local transmission was contributing to the increase in cases, with 13 infections recorded between August 13 and September 17.

South Africa began a targeted mpox vaccination programme in July 2025 as infections increased. The programme initially focused on Gauteng, the Western Cape and KZN, the provinces most affected at the time.

Vaccination programme launched in 2025

The Department of Health received about 10 500 doses of the Imvanex vaccine through a donation from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The rollout prioritised people at higher risk of infection, including close contacts of confirmed cases and people with multiple sexual partners.

The vaccine programme was introduced to help prevent infections and reduce the risk of severe illness. It is uncertain whether vaccines are currently available in Sasolburg or whether the latest cases qualify for vaccination under current arrangements.

What residents should know

Mpox is a viral infection that spreads primarily through close physical contact with an infected person, including contact with skin lesions and contaminated materials.

Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and a rash that may appear on the face, hands, feet, genitals and other parts of the body.

People who develop symptoms should seek medical attention and avoid close physical or sexual contact while awaiting assessment. They should also avoid sharing bedding, clothing and other personal items that may have been contaminated.

Close contacts without symptoms should monitor their health for 21 days and seek medical advice if symptoms develop.

Health officials continue to urge the public to remain vigilant while contact tracing and surveillance continue.

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